Philippines, 28 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Prayers for Jonathan


PhilBoxing.com




Jonathan Peñalosa, who failed in a bid to wrest the WBA flyweight crown from Korea’s Yong Kang Kim in 1992, is fighting for his life at the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod. He’s down but not out with Stage 4 colon cancer. Peñalosa, 57, underwent a colostomy to divert the stool flow through the stomach at the Paranaque Doctors Hospital then was brought to Bacolod to be close to family while recovering to gain strength for chemotherapy.

Peñalosa’s two brothers Dodie Boy and Gerry became two-time world champions. Dodie Boy, 62, reigned as IBF lightflyweight and flyweight titlist while Gerry, 52, ruled the WBC superflyweight and WBO bantamweight divisions. Another brother Carl, Jr. or Erbing is a well-known boxing trainer. Their late father Carl, Sr. was a Philippine lightweight and superlightweight champion.

Gerry, who flew from Manila to Bacolod yesterday to visit his ailing brother, said at the moment, no chemotherapy is scheduled. “Mahina pa ang kaniyang katawan,” said Gerry who added that the cancer had spread so doctors deferred removing the tumor in the colon and instead, did a colostomy. “He was diagnosed last month, it happened so fast.”

Peñalosa’s oldest daughter Jhona said her father asked to be brought to Bacolod, near San Carlos City where his family stays. “Gusto niya umuwi ng San Carlos at walang maka-alaga sa kaniya sa Manila,” she said. Jhona said the plan is to administer chemotherapy in Bacolod when he regains his strength.

Peñalosa retired from boxing in 1993 and turned to training. Two world champions whom he worked with were Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire. Pacquiao recently visited him in the hospital, taking time off from the senatorial campaign trail to show support for the former WBC International flyweight king (top photo).

Peñalosa made his pro debut in 1985 and was undefeated in his first 16 bouts before losing to Kim in Incheon. He was ahead in one of three scorecards when Kim scored two knockdowns in the sixth round, prompting referee Ernesto Magana to stop it at the 2:46 mark. Peñalosa was never the same after the setback and lost his next three outings, one to future WBC flyweight beltholder Chatchai Sasakul whom Pacquiao later dethroned, to close out his career.

Peñalosa and wife Marites are blessed with four children----Jhona, 38, Jonathan, 36, Jan, 34 and Kris, 32 and five grandchildren----John, 18, Myles, 16, Kent, 13, Lance, 11 and Heart, nine months old. Two of his children work on-line and two others are unemployed. The family is appealing for prayers and financial assistance. “Your generosity will go a long way in helping our father receive the treatment and care he urgently needs,” said Jhona. “And just as important, we ask for your continued prayers----for strength, healing and hope during this incredibly difficult time.” Donations may be sent to GCash 09668321327 and BDO 003080233918.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • TEOFIMO LOPEZ AND SHAKUR STEVENSON FACE-OFF AT KNICKS GAME AS COUNTDOWN TO ‘THE RING 6’ ON SATURDAY BEGINS
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Davao to sponsor P500K in IRONMAN 70.3
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • JOSH KELLY SOUNDS WARNING TO WORLD TITLE RIVAL BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV AS HE TARGETS HISTORIC NORTH EAST HOMECOMING
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Gallegos and Alvarez Shine Bright with Knockout Wins at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
    , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Pedro Carrasco Remembered in Spain 25 Years After His Passing
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Gensan Outdoor, Gensan Educator support MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit in Mt. Apo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 28 Jan 2026
  • Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • “It’s about owning my own journey” Jeanine Brown retuns for Title Clash March 13 – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Long Boxing Journey settles in New Bedford, MA for Junior Featherweight prospect Joshua Alvarado
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Steph Curry is 19th leading scorer of the NBA
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • David Ray Sarmiento finishes second place in Cologne January Blitz 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 JANUARY 2026: Raymund Muratalla Edges Andy Cruz; Walsh Outpoints Ocampo
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit at Mt. Apo on February 19-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 8: 1948 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing
    , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.